The art of storytelling in Wedding Films

Storytelling is that very powerful tool that underpins the whole audiovisual industry (and not only) and that drives us to feel emotions when we watch something.

This tool is increasingly used by wedding videographers from all over the world to create a lasting memory that can capture the essence of the wedding day and of a relationship, arousing emotions.

In this article, we'll explore the art of storytelling in wedding films and how it's used to create more engaging and impactful videos.

Storytelling starts from a premise that is anything but simple, which is being able to tell a love story during a single day of shooting.

It is a style that focuses mainly on the emotions, personalities and characteristics that make that particular couple unique.

But how to capture the essence of a relationship and a day in a video?

The first step in creating a narrative-driven wedding video is planning. It is crucial to meet the couple before the wedding day to know their history and understand their vision of that day. During this meeting you will begin to grasp all those characteristics that distinguish them from the other couples.

This information will be invaluable in being able to identify and best capture the key moments on the shooting day.

With these type of videos, it is crucial to be able to capture those small moments such as the exchange of glances between the two lovers and the interactions with family and friends. These are essential details in creating a more intimate and personalised wedding video.

In addition to the special moments between the couple and their loved ones, it is also important to capture those little details that help tell the story of the day itself, such as the styling of the wedding venue and the various floral decorations. Using close-ups and creative camera angles can also enhance the storytelling and create a more dynamic and engaging video.

One of the main elements in narrative-driven wedding films consists in using a technique called voice-over, which consists of a voice that acts as a narrative commentary in the video and which is normally accompanied by background music.

The voice-over can be recorded in various contexts; it is always something that must be discussed together with the couple, in order to understand their preferences and plan everything well in advance.

• Personalised wedding vows: This choice is valid for humanist weddings, during which the two spouses will have the opportunity to talk with an open heart and express their mutual love. Normally, these wedding vows are written down and read during the ceremony in front of all the guests.

• Reading of love letters: In the event that the couple has opted for a religious ceremony or in which the spouses do not feel comfortable reading their promises in front of the guests, a valid alternative consists in drafting a love letter; normally, the reading takes place in front of the camera on the morning of the wedding, during preparation.

• Interviews: However, not all couples feel comfortable with reading a love letter in front of a camera. However, there is still a third solution, which consists of interviews usually carried out on the wedding morning. In this way the spouses will be able to tell their love story but in a less structured and more spontaneous way.

• Toasts and speeches from friends and family: The narrative of the relationship does not necessarily have to go through the spouses themselves. Sometimes it can be the toast of a family member or the speech of a bridesmaid during the reception to recount the relationship, perhaps in a more amusing but equally moving way.

The magic of storytelling consists precisely in being able to link together different moments and emotions captured in the course of a day. To do this, as I explained above, the wedding videographer uses the voice-over, which acts as a narrative glue; but there is also another fundamental element to consider: the music. Music has the difficult task of creating a mood (an atmosphere or state of mind) that should reflect the emotions of the couple and the guests. Choosing the right music will also allow you to create an emotional connection with the viewer and improve the narrative itself.

There is one last element that we have not yet explored, the editing. In fact, the rhythm and pacing of the video is very important in the narrative style. The video should flow seamlessly from one moment to the next, i.e. not following the chronological order of the day but rather that of emotions.

In conclusion, thanks to careful planning, narrative voices, the right choice of music and creative editing, this type of video will take the viewer on an exciting journey through the couple's relationship and their special day.